US Edition31 sloths die in Florida before opening of attraction
The report says the sloths died from cold exposure and virus-related illness after arriving in two shipments, with some found dead on arrival.
- At least 31 wild sloths died after being housed in an unheated, off-site warehouse for the upcoming Orlando roadside attraction Sloth World, according to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report.
- Licensee Peter Bandre admitted the warehouse lacked electricity and heat when shipments arrived from Guyana in December 2024, causing what investigators described as cold stun, a fatal condition for sloths.
- Necropsy reports confirmed a novel two-toed sloth gammaherpesvirus rippled through the facility, while researchers identified systemic stress from international transit as a definitive catalyst for the rapid mortality rate.
- Despite the initial fatalities, related business Sanctuary World Imports acquired at least 38 more wild sloths, though the USDA stated the company holds no required display license.
- The Sloth Conservation Foundation criticizes extracting wild animals for entertainment, stating sloths lack domestication history, as Sloth World's grand opening remains repeatedly delayed with only digital mockups online.
51 Articles
51 Articles
In Florida, 31 sloths died due to poor transport conditions, lack of care and cold before Sloth World opened. The owner denies any wrongdoing, but an investigation has revealed numerous irregularities and sparked criticism from animal rights activists.
FWC investigation finds dozens of sloths died before Orlando attraction opening - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
ORLANDO, Florida (WBBH) — An investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) found that dozens of sloths intended for “Sloth World Orlando,” which has yet to open, died after being kept in unsuitable conditions. FWC reported that 21 sloths arrived in Florida from Guyana in December 2024, while 10 more came from Peru in February 2025. The animals were reportedly housed by “Sanctuary World Imports” in a warehouse that …
Florida Democrat ‘appalled’ by report 31 sloths died in storage warehouse
Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said Thursday that he was appalled by a report about the death of 31 sloths that died under the care of Sloth World, a tourist attraction in Orlando, Fla., that wasn’t yet opened to the public. The sloths were from South American rainforests and perished in storage warehouses between December 2024…
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